Installed a rci skid plate today worth it

Installed a rci Offroad skid plate for the engine today to replace my fiber/carpet one (non Offroad package truck) worth it and great quality. No issues with ice chunks or road debris now. Will be ordering trans plate soon.

 

Well worth it and search for a coupon code. I found one that saved me a bunch on shipping. I have made my own in the past but just wanted a bolt on one and this is very well made for the price. I looked at about 4 company’s and this wasn’t the cheapest but I’m happy with the purchase.

 

Did the installation of the skid plate require you to leave off the front sway bar? I noticed it was missing in your picture. I have the TRD skid plate that came with my truck but I like the fact the RCI one has a door so you can change the oil with dropping the skid plate.

 

No the sway bar is in the last photo. Only thing you have to remove is the factory carpet. And deploy the front air dam prior to install. Turn the truck off and hold the mist setting for the wipers for 2 seconds. Took all of 20 mins to put on the truck.

 

I see it now thanks!

 

I’m trying to decide between the RCI and TRD skid plate. As far as I can see, the main reason to pick the RCI option is the oil change door. Can anyone confirm that the oil change door in the RCI plates works well?

 

Yes. It lines up. As for between the two. Rci much heavier duty.

 

Thanks! I’m glad it’s working well for you.

 

Just asking, but I thought the TRD pro skid plate came with the door for oil filter access?? I know the cheap, crappy, tin skid plate doesn't (but its garbage anyways)

 

As far as I know, it does not have a door. @2020Platinum made a video on changing the oil and had to take off the skid plate to do it. https://youtu.be/zvJ-EKWoVII

It looks fairly simple to remove.

 

This would be a case of 'me being a dumbass who can't read good'. I forgot it was a 2022+ thread. doh!

This stupid they changed the 2022 trd skidplate to not include one...

 

I still can’t believe this is a thing. Seems like it would just get wet and stay that way and cause rust issues.

Not to mention not actually protecting anything…

 

I would think it could stop a mosquito or possibly small fly at best.

 

I ended up going with the TRD plate. I found an open box one for $225 plus tax. At that price, I’ll deal with annoying oil changes. Otherwise, RCI seems like the way to go.

 

a deal is a deal. Question how thick is the factory one? I have seen them on trucks but never check how thick they were.

 

I’ll get my calipers out and check when I get home but I believe it’s 1/4” aluminum.

 

1/4” aluminum confirmed.

 

Not a bad deal for that thickness.

 

You shouldn’t If it’s factory but even with the carpet one I took off. You have to take it off to get to the filter.

 

I don't see why any of the Toyota OEM skid plates would cause a problem. It's possible that some of the aftermarket plates would be an issue simply because the service team doesn't want to deal with uninstalling and installing them back on the truck. Even if they did that for you, I wouldn't be surprised if they charged for the labor of that process. If you are worried, you could always remove the skid plate before bringing it in.

 

Can someone tell me if the TRD skid plate covers the engine and transmission? Trying to compare which RCI plate would be equivalent.

 

I'm installing it over the weekend and will post a photo. I probably won't post it here since it's off topic to this thread but keep an eye on the other 3rd gen. threads.

 

Post it here. It’s all skid plate related. There are a few nice ones on the market. Let’s see what everyone goes with and the pros and cons on each one. I have to say the Trd and Rci one are very close in protection. But without seeing installed photos it’s hard to tell the subtle differences.

 

Super easy install. 10-15 minutes tops. Had to buy (2x) M8 x 1.25 bolts for the rear mounting points. The plate covers the engine but not the transmission. However, I’m installing a cat shield next which will cover the transmission. It also doesn’t interfere with with air dam which is nice.

 

Where did you find this open box?

 

BAM wholesale parts. I almost gave up after looking through online classifieds for awhile.

 

Cool, thanks!

 

How long does it take for RCI to deliver after an order? I’m approaching 60 days since my order. I’ve tried to contact them by email and phone with no luck except for an email response more than a month ago.

Tom

 

An hour after my post, I got an email with a Fedex tracking number. Go figure.